A Portuguese club is believed to be looking at bringing Orlando Pirates star Patrick "Tito" Maswanganyi back to Europe, the Siya crew has been informed.
Insiders close to both the player and Pirates have indicated that UD Oliveirense, from the second division of Portugal, are hoping to convince Maswanganyi to return to them.
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The sources added that the club had initially expected Maswanganyi to return to Portugal after his stint at SuperSport United, but things didn't work out as planned, and he joined Bucs instead.
Notably, Maswanganyi didn't move directly from Oliveirense to SuperSport, but he had moved to Academica where he had represented their U23 side. After that he moved to SuperSport.
Over the past two seasons, he has been performing very well at Pirates such that he doesn't have to look back. He's been looking forward, impressing for Bafana Bafana lately where he's scored two goals in the last two Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, playing against Uganda and South Sudan.
"Actually he was supposed to go back to Portugal after his stay at SuperSport United but instead he was signed by Orlando Pirates. Now, Oliveirense are once again interested in him. They were just giving him a chance to come back and grow as a person but things took a different turn. Since joining Pirates they have been following his progress hence the inquiry on him now. They want him back," the Siya source stated.
Meanwhile, a second insider stated that Pirates and the player's representatives should be looking at other leagues in Europe where Maswanganyi could move to.
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"Oliveirense are in Liga 2 which is the second division in Portugal. That would be a good move but only if there is no possibility of another move to other leagues where he can play in the first division like the PSL here at home. That's what the club and his representatives are looking at. I understand there have been other inquires as well but the known one for now is his former team in Portugal and they will look at it first before making decisions going forward," the second source stated.
In his first season at Pirates, the Tembisa-born 26-year-old won the Players' Player of the Season in South Africa, as well as the Midfielder of the Season, and the Nedbank Cup Player of the Tournament.
This season, so far, he has started well for Bucs, and he's being used differently by Hugo Broos for South Africa to fill the injured Themba Zwane's role. Maswanganyi's stock has potential to rise significantly over the next year, which should make him a sought-after player.
Tito's progress shows that while he may not have made it in Portugal in the past, his former club Oliveirense believes he is now ready to step up. Though, the question is whether he's already moved ahead and would rather play for a top flight outfit?
